3G-only devices can no longer be activated on GSMT (starting August 2020)

3G only devices (including HSPA and HSPA+ devices) can no longer be activated on the GSMT network. Consider other networks or a device upgrade.

Due to changes being made by major carriers, 3G, HSPA, and HSPA+ devices can no longer be activated on the GSMT network, beginning August 4th, 2020.

If your phone supports both 3G and 4G, you can activate it on the GSMT network. 

Please Note: As of February 2022, 3G-Only devices will no longer be eligible for activation on the GSMA network either, and CDMA will be shutting down soon. Upgrading to VoLTE is best. Please click here to learn more about VoLTE.

 

Why is this happening?

As technology improves, network towers are updated to provide faster, more reliable calling, texting, and mobile internet service. The first mobile network to exist was the analog or '1G' network. This network offered limited calling capabilities.

Then came the 2G network. This network provided calling and texting services. Some internet connectivity was offered as well. 

Next, the 3G network was created, which brought about faster internet speeds and more modern texting features, like MMS messaging.

Now, we have even faster, more advanced, and more capable networks, like the 4G LTE network and the upcoming 5G network. 

3G devices were created and optimized to run on the 3G network. Some of the most popular 3G devices include the iPhone 4 and the original Samsung Galaxy. Due to the upgrades being made to network towers nationwide, these phones will, unfortunately, become incompatible. 

 

What happens to 3G devices that are already activated?

You will need to upgrade your 3G phone to continue using your GSMT talk, text, and data plan. Make sure the phone you select is compatible with the GSMT network.

Our GSMT network is compatible with most T-Mobile-compatible, GSM unlocked and CDMA LTE unlocked devices. 

 

How can I tell if my phone is 3G or not? 

Check your phone's Settings. Go to Mobile Networks and then look for Preferred Networks. You will see "Prefer 4G", or "Prefer 4G LTE" if your phone supports 4G. Otherwise, you may have a 2G/3G device.

You can also do a Google search for your phone's technical specifications. For example, if you search "nexus 5 4G compatible", one of your results might be this page from the T-Mobile website. Under "Networks" we can see that the Nexus 5 phone is 2G, 3G, 4G, and 4G LTE compatible. 

If you have any additional questions, please reach out to us. We are here to help. Call 1-712-775-8777, or visit redpocket.com/contact-us, and click on the chat bubble to chat with a live agent.